AFCON 2023: 9-men Cote d’Ivoire Secures Victory Over Mali

AFCON 2023: 9-men Cote d’Ivoire Secures Victory Over Mali

Hosts Ivory Coast secured a 2-1 victory over Mali in Bouake during a thrilling Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final match.

In added time at the end of extra time, Oumar Diakite scored a remarkable back-heel goal, giving the Ivorians the winning goal.

Despite receiving a red card in the first half, the Ivorians managed to bounce back from a goal by Nene Dorgeles in the second half, thanks to Simon Adingra’s 90th-minute equalizer.

However, Diakite’s excessive celebration, in which he removed his shirt, resulted in a second yellow card, leaving the hosts with only nine players on the field.

The victory now sets up a semi-final clash with DR Congo for Ivory Coast.